World’s largest Santa made of apples! Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates masterpiece on Puri Beach

Marking the spirit of Christmas with a powerful message of peace and unity, world-renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled the world’s largest Apple-and-Sand installation of Santa Claus at Niladri Beach in Puri on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

 The grand creation, which carries the messages "World Peace" and "Merry Christmas," has drawn widespread attention from visitors and tourists celebrating the festival at the iconic seaside location.

The monumental Santa Claus sculpture has been crafted using 1.5 tonnes of apples combined with sand, making it a rare fusion of natural elements and festive creativity. Measuring an impressive 60 feet in length, 22 feet in height, and 45 feet in width, the installation has become a major attraction at Puri Beach, drawing large crowds and admiration throughout the day.

The artwork was created with the support of 30 students from Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute as part of the 22nd edition of the Puri Sand Art Festival, which commenced on December 24, 2025, and will continue until January 1, 2026.

The festival was inaugurated by Poornachandra Sahoo, popularly known as “Mitu Chai,” a well-known local tea seller and a familiar face on Puri Beach, symbolising the inclusive spirit of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Pattnaik said the installation was designed to spread messages of peace, happiness, and global unity during the festive season. He also confirmed that an official attempt has been made to set a new record with the World Records Book of India for the Apple-and-Sand Santa sculpture. All the apples used in the installation will be distributed as gifts.

Also Read: Sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik creates sand art on Mothers' Day at Puri beach

Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand sculpture championships and festivals, earning numerous accolades. He is widely known for using sand art as a medium to highlight critical social and environmental issues, including HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, global warming, terrorism, plastic pollution, and environmental conservation.